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First Aid Thiesis
First Aid Thiesis
WHAT IS SAFETY
Safety is the state of being "safe" (from French sauf), the condition of being
protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional,
occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of failure,
damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be considered non-
desirable. Safety can also be defined to be the control of recognized hazards to
achieve an acceptable level of risk. This can take the form of being protected from
the event or from exposure to something that causes health or economical losses. It
can include protection of people or of possessions.
First – aid is a skilled assistance but the first aider is not a doctor.After
the doctor takes charge the first aider responsibility ends.
• The first aider should observe carefully,think clearly and act quickly.
2. Treatment and
3. Disposal
• DIAGNOSIS: The first aider should examine the casualty to know the
details of injuries and their nature. Diagnosis is based on its history, signs
and symptoms.
1. History of the case: It is the story of the accident that is how the
accident occurred. The surroundings will also add information. This
information helps the first aider to estimate the condition and the type
of treatment to be given.
2. Symptoms: such as pain, shivering, faintness, shock etc; will also
help.
3. Signs: such as paleness, swelling, deformity of limbs etc; will also
help the first aider to estimate the casualty condition.
Based on these observations the treatment begins.
• Prevent infection.
• Absorb discharge.
• Control bleeding.
• Avoid further injury.
APPLICATION OF DRESSING:
• Great care must be taken in handling and applying dressings.
• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Avoiding touching any part of the wound with the fingers,
of any part of the dressing which will be in contact with the wound.
Bandages should not be used for padding when other materials are available.
Bandages should be applied firm enough to keep dressing and splints in position
but not to so tight as to cause injury to the part or impede the circulation of the
blood. A blue tinge of the finger or nails may be a danger sign that the bandages
are too tight, lose of sensation is another sign.
TYPES OF BANDAGES:
Two types:
1. triangular bandages
2. roller bandages
Triangular Bandage:
A triangular Bandage is a piece of clothing material that can be utilized in an
emergency. Among all the bandages, it practically is the most readily available
since you can convert any clothing material into a triangular bandage in the event
of an emergency.
Among the many purposes of the triangular bandages are the following:
• to hold the dressing in place
• to prevent infection
• for direct pressure
• for arm sling
• to hold splints together
From among the different types of bandages available, the triangular bandage is
widely use considering that these type of bandages can easily be secured out of any
clothing material. May it be at home, or in the office or practically anywhere.
Aside from its availability, the triangular bandages can be applied to almost all
areas. From head to foot, you can always maneuver the bandage in such a way that
it can be useful.
There is also no problem in so far as sizes considering that the triangular bandage
can easily be folded into different sizes in order to apply to different areas of the
body. May the patient be an adult a child or an infant, triangular bandages can
always be applied.
2. The usual “Granny knot” should not be used as it is likely to come loose.
3. The knot should be made where it does not hurt the skin or cause
discomfort.
4. Tuck the loose ends of the bandage out of the sight.
5. When not in use, the triangular bandage should be folded narrow. Bring the
two ends to the center and fold again. It becomes a packet which measures
16cm * 9cm, handy to carry.
6. Triangular bandages are used as slings.
BANDAGING WITH THE TRIANGULAR BANDAGE:
For the scalp:
1. fold a narrow hem of the base of open bandage and place it on the forehead
just above the level of the eyebrows.
2. Take the two ends backwards,after placing the body of the bandage over the
head, the point hanging near the nape of the neck.
3. Cross the two ends and take them forward above the ears to meet on the
forehead, where they are tied.
4. Press on the head of the patient, draw the point firmly downwards and pin it
to the bandages after taking it upwards.
2. Apply the centre of the bandage over the pad and wind the bandage
around the part.
2. Carry the ends of the bandage round the body and tie it in such a way
that one end is longer than the other.
3. Draw the point over shoulder and tie it to the longer end.
2. Place the centre of the open bandage on the shoulder, with the point over
the side of the neck reaching the ear.
3. Carry the ends, after hemming the base inward around the middle of the
arm and tie the knot on the outer side, so the lower border of the bandage is
fixed firmly in the position.
4. Apply a sling.
5. Turn down the point of the bandage over the sling knot, draw tight and pin
it.
For the elbow:
1. Bend the elbow to a right angle if it is advisable to do so.
3. Lay the point on the back of the upper arm, and the middle of the base on the
back of the forearm.
4. Cross the ends in front of the elbow then round the arm, and tie the ends
above the elbow.
6. When the elbow should not be bent use an ordinary bandage with figure of
eight technique.
2. With a narrow inward hem, place the open bandage in front of the knee, with
the point upon the thigh.
3. Cross the ends, take them upwards on the back of the thigh, bring them to the
front of the thigh and tie up.
4. Bring the point down over the knot and the knee and pin it up.
In case the knee is not be bent,figure of eight bandage, using a narrow or a broad
bandage is applied.
5. Bring the ends forward and tie them in front of the ankle.
USES OF SLING:
1. To support injured arms and
2. To prevent pull by upper limb of the injuries to chest, shoulder and neck.
Different types of slings:
The arm Sling:
The arm sling is used in cases of fractured ribs, injured arm, wrist and hands
after application of splint or plaster casts and bandaging.
1. The elbow is bent, the fore arm is placed across the chest such away that the
fingers touch the opposite shoulder. In this position the sling is applied.
2. A clove-hitch is passed around the wrist and the ends hallow above the
collar bone on the injured.
NOTE: A clove-hitch is made with a narrow bandage. Two loops are made and
laid one on top of the other. Next the front loop is laid behind the back loop with
out turning.
Triangular sling:
A triangular sling is used in treating a fracture of the collar bone.
1. Place the fore arm across the chest with the fingers pointing towards the
opposite shoulder and the palm over the breast bone.
2. Place an open bandage over the chest, with one end over the hand and the
point beyond the elbow.
3. Tuck the base of the bandage comfortably under the fore arm and hand.
4. Fold the lower end also around the elbow and take up across the back over
towards the uninjured shoulder and tie it with the other free end into the
hallow above the collar bone.
5. Tuck the point between the fore arm and the bandage.
6. Tuck the fold so formed backwards over the lower half of the arm and fix it
with a safety pin.
ROLLER BANDAGES:
Roller bandages are used in hospitals and first aid posts. They are made out
of flannel or cotton material loose mesh. Roller bandages are also meant to
keep dressing in position. The rolled part is called the head. The unrolled
portion is tail; roller bandages should be applied firmly and evenly.
2. When bandaging left limb hold the head of the bandage in the right hand and
vice versa.
3. Apply the outer side of the bandage over the pad and wind it round the
injury twice so that it is firm.
4. Bandage from below upwards over the limb. Also make it a rule to apply
bandage from the inner side to the outer side.
5. See that the bandage is neither too loose nor too tight.
6. Roll bandage so that each layer covers 2/3rd of the earlier layer.
8. The usual practice of tearing the final end into two long tails and tighing
them up is quite satisfactory and practical.
Methods of applying roller bandages:
1. Simple spiral:
This is used on finger or uniform surfaces. The bandage is just carried
round in spirals.
3. Figure of eight:
4. The spica:
This is a modified figure of eight, and is useful for bandaging the hip,
shoulder, groin and thumb.
FIRST AID TREATMENT METHODS:
SHOCK:
Shock is a condition of collapse which should be treated on top priority,
second only attending to obstructed breathing, stoppage of heart, or
severe bleeding. It may lead to death if not treated in time.The most
likely cause of shock is serious bleeding, or a severe burn or
scald. These injuries must be treated immediately.If a person is showing
signs of shock but has no visible injury, they may have internal bleeding.
Signs of shock:
Early signs of shock include:
• shallow, fast breathing
• rapid pulse becoming weaker
• pale, cold and sweaty skin – tinged with grey.
As it develops you will notice:
• restlessness
• severe thirst
• vomits(in many cases)
• Become unconscious in later stages of shock.
Treating shock:
1. Treat any obvious injuries.
2. Lay the person down on a blanket or rug to keep them warm. Reassure them.
3. Raise and support their legs above the level of their heart.
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4. In case of vomiting place in the three – quarter back – up position.
5. Never use hot water bottles or very warm rugs. Don’t rub any part of the body.
6. Loosen any tight clothing.
7. Call an ambulance.
8. Do not give them anything to eat or drink because they may later need a general
anesthetic in hospital.
9. Most important: remove to the hospital as top priority.
ELECTRICAL INJURIES:
Effects of electrical shock:
• There may be fatal paralysis of the heart.
• There may be sudden stoppage of breathing due to paralysis of muscles used
in breathing.
• Heart may continue to beat, while breathing has stopped. In this condition
face appears blue.
• There may be burns, either superficial or deep.they depend on the electric
current causing the injuries.
Management:
1.If the casualty is still in contact with the conductor switch off the current. If
the switch is not to be found, remove the plug or cut off the current by breaking the
wire.
NOTE: before cutting off the current, ensure that you stand on a dry piece of
wooden board. Donot use scissors or knife.
2. If the casualty is not breathing normally, or heart has stopped breathing give
artificial respiration and external cardiac massage for a long time.
3. Treat for shock.
4. Treat for burns.
5. Transfer to a hospital or seek the help of a medical practitioner, who is
nearest.
6. Even when the casualty has recovered fairly well after first aid has given; he
must be examined by a medical specialist because electric injuries are liable to
relapse.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION(CPR):
There is no substitute for learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but
emergencies don't wait for training. These instructions are for conventionaThese
are the steps to perform adult CPR:
1. Attempt to wake victim. If the victim is not breathing (or is just gasping for
breath), call 911 immediately and go to step 2. If someone else is there to help,
one of you call 911 while the other moves on to step 2.
If the victim is breathing, see the Tips section at the bottom of this page for
what to do.
If you are not trained in CPR, continue to do chest compressions until help
arrives or the victim wakes up.
It's normal to feel pops and snaps when you first begin chest compressions -
DON'T STOP! You're not going to make the victim worse.
If you don't feel comfortable with this step, just continue to do chest
compressions at a rate of at least 100/minute.
5. Repeat rescue breaths. Give 2 more breaths just like you did in step 3
(unless you're skipping the rescue breaths).
6. Keepgoing. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for about two minutes (about 5 cycles of
30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths).
Tips:
2. Ifthe victim is breathing, briskly rub your knuckles against the victim's
sternum. If the victim does not wake, call 911.
FOR CHILDREN:
If the child does not wake up, have someone call 911 immediately. If no one
else is available to call 911 and the child is not breathing, continue to step 3
and do CPR for about 2 minutes before calling 911.
If you've been trained in CPR and you remember how to give rescue breaths,
go to step 4. If not, just keep doing chest compressions and go to step 5.
If no air goes in when you try to blow, adjust the child's head and try again. If
that doesn't work, then skip it and go back to chest compressions (step 3), you
can try rescue breaths again after 30 more compressions.
Once ambulence has been called or you have someone else calling, keep doing
CPR. Don't stop until help arrives or the child wakes up.
Tips:
1. When checking for breathing, if you're not sure then assume the child isn't
breathing. It's much worse to assume a kid is breathing and not do anything
than to assume he or she isn't and start rescue breaths.
2. When giving rescue breaths, using a CPR mask helps with making a proper
seal and keeps vomit out of the rescuer's mouth.
3. Put a book under the child's shoulders -- if you have time -- to help keep his
or her head tilted back.
HOW TO TREAT A BURN:
1. STAY SAFE! Do not let the rescuer get burned trying to save the victim.
Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you
have it.
2. Treating a burn begins with stopping the burning process. Cool the burned
area with cool running water for several minutes.
If an ambulance is coming, continue running water over the burned area until
the ambulance arrives.
Blistering or sloughing (skin coming off) means the top layer of skin is
completely damaged and complications are likely. Charring indicates even
deeper damage to all three layers of skin (see illustration).
If the damaged area is bigger than one entire arm or the whole abdomen, call
911 or take the victim to the emergency department immediately.
• face
• hands
• feet
• genitalia
2 Mild burns with reddened skin and no blisters may be treated with a topical
burn ointment or spray to reduce pain.
Cool water (not cold or warm) may also help with pain.
• Second degree burns. Treating this type of burn is more complex. You
should check with your doctor about how to treat your child's second-degree
burns. Here are some general guidelines that we recommend. Twice a day
do the following:
3 Third degree burns. Because of the seriousness and potential for scarring
from this type of burn, it is recommended that you go to a burn center or ER
for initial treatment, and then continue your follow-up care with a burn
surgeon. We cannot put any general recommendations here for this type of
burn emergency department.
TIPS:
1. Burnscause swelling. Burns of the face and neck can sometimes swell
enough to cause difficulty breathing. If that happens, call for an ambulance
immediately.
2. Burns that completely circle the hands or feet may cause such severe
swelling that blood flow is restricted. If swollen or tight hands and feet become
numb and tingly, blue, cold, or "fall asleep," then call ambulance immediately.
3. While the burn is healing, wear loose natural clothing like silks or light
cottons. Harsher fabrics will irritate the skin even more.
4. Burnsdestroy skin and the loss of skin can lead to infection, dehydration and
hypothermia (loss of body heat). Make sure that burn victims get emergency
medical help if experiencing any of the following:
• dizziness or confusion
• weakness
• fever or chills
• shivering
• cold sweats
The first step in controlling a bleeding wound is to plug the hole. Blood needs to
clot in order to start the healing process and stop the bleeding. Just like ice won't
form on the rapids of a river, blood will not coagulate when it's flowing.
The best way to stop it is to...stop it. Put pressure directly on the wound. If you
have some type of gauze, use it. Gauze pads hold the blood on the wound and help
the components of the blood to stick together, promoting clotting. If you don't have
gauze, terrycloth towels work almost as well.
If the gauze or towel soaks through with blood, add another layer. Never take off
the gauze. Peeling blood soaked gauze off a wound removes vital clotting agents
and encourages bleeding to resume.
Once bleeding is controlled, take steps to treat the victim for shock.
• Step two to control bleeding uses this principle. Elevate the wound above
the heart. By elevating the wound, you slow the flow of blood. As the blood
slows, it becomes easier to stop it with direct pressure. Remember, it must
be above the heart and you must keep direct pressure on it.
2. If
the foot or hand at the end of the injured extremity is cold or blue, call
ambulance immediately!
3. DoNOT straighten the extremity if it is deformed - keep it in the position
found.
5. Put ice on the injury. Never put the ice directly on the skin - put it in a bag
first. After holding ice on the injury for about 20 minutes, take it off for 20
minutes.
8. If 911 was not called, seek medical assistance for additional pain relief and
further evaluation of the injury. The use of an ambulance is probably not
necessary, but ambulances in many areas are capable of providing additional
pain relief.
Tips:
1. A little water in the ice bag will help it conform to the shape of the injury.
2. Compression wraps may also help reduce swelling, although the evidence is
not compelling. Wrap the extremity about 4-6 inches above and below the
injury. The wrap should be snug, but loose enough to fit one finger under the
elastic bandage.
Causes
• Trauma/accidents
• Lifting heavy objects
• Sporting injuries
Symptoms
• Pain
• Swelling
• Lumps other than swelling
• Bruising/redness at site of injury
• Numbness
• Inability to move the joint
Treatment
• Severe pain/numbness
• Inability to move the joint
• Inability to assess the severity of injury
Steps To Avoid
Prevention
1. Ifyou are not the victim, practice universal precautions and wear personal
protective equipment if available.
3. Cover both eyes with a bulky dressing, taking care not to put any pressure
on either eye. Remember not to put any pressure on the impaled object.
Covering both eyes keeps the injured eye from moving and causing more
damage.
4. This injury will require surgery, make sure the victim does not eat or drink
anything.
Tips:
1. Ifavailable, a paper or Styrofoam cup with a hole in the bottom can slide
over the impaled object and cover the injured eye without putting any pressure
on the eye or the object.
• Bulky dressings
Guide since 2006
1. Getaway from the snake place. Follow universal precautions and wear
personal protective equipment .Call ambulance immediately! Waiting until the
pain may lead to permanent tissue damage.
2. Do not elevate. Keep the bite below the level of the heart.
5. If the snake is an elapid species (coral snakes and cobras), wrap the
extremity with an elastic pressure bandage. Start from the point closest to the
heart and wrap towards the fingers or toes. Continue to keep the bite lower
than the heart.
6. Follow the basics of first aid while waiting for responders to arrive. Be
especially concerned about the potential for shock.
NOTE:
NO CUTTING & SUCKING! Those snake bite kits from the drug store don't
work. Cutting into the wound will just create infections.
1. Check the person's airways and breathing. If necessary, call ambulence and
begin rescue breathing and CPR.
2. Reassure the person. Try to keep him or her calm.
3. Remove nearby rings and constricting items because the affected area may
swell.
4. Use the person's Epi-pen or other emergency kit, if they have one. (Some
people who have serious insect reactions carry it with them.)
5. If appropriate, treat the person for signs of shock. Remain with the person
until medical help arrives.
1. Remove the stinger if still present by scraping the back of a credit card or
other straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers -- these
may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released.
2. Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and
then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.
4. If necessary, take an antihistamine, or apply creams that reduce itching.
5. Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection (such as increasing
redness, swelling, or pain).
Do Not
Reassure the victim that you know the Heimlich maneuver and are going to
help.
Place your arms around the victim's waist.
Make a fist with one hand and place your thumb toward the victim, just above
his or her belly button.
Keep a firm grip on the victim, since he or she can lose consciousness and fall
to the ground if the Heimlich maneuver is not effective.
• If a victim is coughing strongly or able to talk, let the person try to expel the
foreign body using his or her own efforts.
• If the choking victim displays a weak or ineffective cough, this indicates that
air exchange is minimal and that you should start the Heimlich maneuver.
. To avoid breaking bones, never place your hands on the victim's breastbone
or lower ribcage when performing the Heimlich maneuver.
1. Immediately flush with water for no less than 15 minutes (except for
Hydrofluoric Acid, Flammable Solids or >10% Phenol). For larger
spills, the safety shower should be used.
2. While rinsing, quickly remove all contaminated clothing or jewelry.
Seconds count. Do not waste time because of modesty.
3. Use caution when removing pullover shirts or sweaters to prevent
contamination of the eyes.
4. Check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to determine if any delayed
effects should be expected.
5. Discard contaminated clothing or launder them separately from other
clothing. Leather garments or accessories cannot be decontaminated and
should be discarded.
Do not use solvents to wash skin. They remove the natural protective oils from
the skin and can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, washing with a
solvent may facilitate absorption of a toxic chemical.
For flammable solids on skin, first brush off as much of the solid as possible, then
proceed as described above.
For hydrofluoric acid, rinse with water for 5 minutes and apply calcium gluconate
gel, then get immediate medical attention. If no gel is available, rinse for 15
minutes and go immediately to near health center.
For phenol concentrations more than 10%, flush with water for 15 minutes or until
the affected area turns from white to pink. Apply polyethylene glycol, if
available. Do not use ethanol. Proceed as described above.
Chemicals in Eyes
1. Immediately flush eye(s) with water for at least fifteen minutes. The eyes
must be forcibly held open to wash, and the eyeballs must be rotated so all
surface area is rinsed. The use of an eye wash fountain is desirable so hands
are free to hold the eyes open. If eyewash is not available, pour water on the
eye, rinsing from the nose outward to avoid contamination of the unaffected
eye.
2. Remove contact lenses while rinsing. Do not lose time removing contact lenses before
rinsing. Do not attempt to rinse and reinsert contact lenses.
3. Seek medical attention regardless of the severity or apparent lack of severity.
If an ambulance or transportation to near Health Center is needed, contact
Public Safety at 911. Explain carefully what chemicals were involved.
Chemical Inhalation
Wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention, if necessary.
Eye
1. Immediately flush eyes for at least 15 minutes with water, preferably using
eyewash. If no eyewash is available, pour water on the eye(s) for 15
minutes, rinsing from the nose outward to avoid contamination of the
unaffected eye.
2. Hold eyelids away from your eyeball and rotate your eyes so that all surfaces
may be washed thoroughly.
3. Seek medical attention at Health Center.
Ingestion or Inhalation
1. Seek medical attention at Health Center.
2. Do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by a health care provider.
Causes
• Medications
• Drug overdose
• Occupational exposure
• Cleaning detergents/paints
• Carbon mono oxide gas from furnace, heaters
• Insecticides
• Certain cosmetics
• Certain household plants, animals
• Food poisoning (Botulism)
Symptoms
• Blue lips
• Skin Rashes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting/Nausea
• Fever
• Head ache
• Giddiness/drowsiness
• Double vision
• Abdominal/chest pain
• Palpitations/Irritability
• Loss of appetite/bladder control
• Numbness
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Weakness
• Loss of consciousness
Treatment
Meanwhile,
Steps to Avoid
Prevention
• Store medicines, cleaning detergents, mosquito repellants and paints
carefully
• Keep all potentially poisonous substances out of children's reach
• Label the poisons in your house
• Avoid keeping poisonous plants in or around house
• Take care while eating products such as berries, roots or mushrooms
• Teach children the need to exercise caution
Sunburn can be a serious first aid situation. If there are any signs of shock,
faintness or dizziness, rapid pulse or rapid breathing, phone a physician or
emergency medical help. This also applies to cases of eye pain, nausea, chills or
fever. If the sunburn is painful or severe in any other way phone for medical
assistance.
In some cases, symptoms of severe sunburn can take an hour or two to appear.
Blistering is a sign of a second degree burn. This may require medical attention.
Most cases of sunburn are not so severe, and in these cases there are a number of
treatments and products you should know about:
• you can cool the skin with cold compresses or even a cool bath.
• Do not pop blisters. Leave them intact.
• Take any over-the-counter pain medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or
acetaminophen
• anesthetic sprays (e.g. the commercial product, Paxyl) can take away the
pain of sunburn, but use these with caution. Bad burns should be treated by
professionals.
Do not use any oil or petroleum-based lotions on serious sunburn. These include
tea tree oil, petroleum jelly, butter and most ointments. These trap the heat of the
burn. These can be used in the days following, but should not be administered to a
fresh sun burn.
PRODUCTS OF FIRST AID:
GUAZE BANDAGE:
A (medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and
dressings OR
Piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body
EYE PAD:
Suitable for eye injury care, and medication applications. The eye patch is
placed over a wounded or infect eye, a triangular bandage wrapped around the
head is a good way to hold it in place
GUAZE ROLLERS:
Gauze rolls come in various lengths and sizes and can be wrapped around any
wound can also be used to hold a gauze.
Tape is good for wrapping blisters, cuts, scrapes and other wounds. Common
household bandages employ tape, and to properly wrap larger wounds tape is to be
employed in a relatively similar fashion to this. A well taped wound will heal faster
and cleaner than an open wound, provided it can breathe. Tape is especially
essential to sports first aid kits and outdoor first aid kits.
STRIP BAND-AID:
The strip bandage is the most common bandage to first aid kits, used for any small
wound on a flat surface.
ANTISEPTIC OINTMENT:
Antiseptics are a group of medicines that arrest or halt the growth of germs and aid
in the prevention of infections in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Antiseptics do not
actually kill bacteria. Antiseptics are often included in first aid kits, but the rule of
thumb that applies to their use is, only if there’s nothing else.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are narrowly defined as medicines that kill the bacteria which causes
infections. Since the 1930s, antibiotics have been used to treat many different
infections, from sore throats to tuberculosis, meningitis and other more serious
infections. Antibiotics in the form of creams, ointments and pills can figure
prominently in a first aid kit.
Sprains are the result of overstretching the ligaments. The ligaments may be
partially or completely torn. Sprains may accompany broken bones, though a
fracture need not be present for ligaments to be damaged. All sprains should be
treated with care to speed the healing process
ELASTIC BANDAGES:
Elastic bandages allow some movement of the injured joint to reduce stiffness as
the ligaments heal.
Immobilizing a sprain completely can cause the ligaments to freeze. This is a
serious complication reduced by the use of elastic bandages.
SPACE BLANKET:
A space blanket (also known as a Mylar blanket, first aid blanket , emergency
blanket , thermal blanket or weather blanket ) is a blanket used in emergencies to
reduce heat losses in a person's body caused by thermal radiation, water
evaporation and convection.
Aspirin relieves minor aches and pains, reduces fever, redness and swelling and
can be used as a blood thinner. Some people take aspirin daily to reduce their risk
of heart attack and stroke. The active ingredient in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid.
Aspirin is sold over the counter in different forms, including tablets, gum and
rectal suppositories. Both regular and chewable aspirin should be taken with water
or after meals, to avoid upset stomach.
Warning
Aspirin, including children's aspirin, should never be given to children or teenagers
with flu symptoms or chickenpox. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a very
serious disease of the nervous system and liver. This disease has a 30% mortality
rate and in other cases it can cause permanent brain damage. Be sure to consult
with a physician before giving aspirin long term to children 12 and under.
Precautions
People in the following categories should consult with a physician before using
aspirin:
• Pregnant women. Aspirin may cause bleeding problems in both infant and
mother. Overuse of aspirin can cause the infant's birth weight to be too low.
• Breastfeeding mothers. Aspirin can pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
• People with a history of bleeding problems.
• People taking other blood-thinning drugs like warfarin (Coumadin).
• People with a history of ulcers or other stomach problems
• People with asthma and/or nasal polyps may have a reaction to aspirin.
• Anyone with allergies to fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen,
meclofenamate sodium, naproxen, sulindac, tolmetin, or tartrazine (orange
food colour) may also be allergic to aspirin.
• AIDS patients or those taking AZT (zidovudine) may raise risk of bleeding.
• People with liver damage or who have suffered severe kidney failure.
Side effects
The following reactions may pass, but if they are or become severe contact a
physician.
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain
Storage: Keep medication tightly closed, out of reach of children. If tablets have a
strong vinegar smell do not use.
Cold Packs
Cold packs are used often in first aid, to treat swelling due to bumps, bruises,
sprains and strains. Of course, ice is most commonly used, but ice can be
uncomfortably cold, messy and bulky. Cold packs come in the form of:
• chemical-based cold packs
• gel packs available in various forms
• herbal cold packs
The advantage of cold gel packs is that they can be reused nearly endlessly (unless
punctured or otherwise damaged). Chemical based cold packs can be taken and
used anywhere.
An ounce of prevention
Sunburn is generally underestimated as a medical problem and it has long term
negative effects. Especially for small children, the value of warding off sunburn
cannot be stressed highly enough. Protect your children by having them wear
sleeved clothing as much as possible. Hats and umbrellas are very valuable tools in
staving off sunburn. For proper sunscreen, wear SPF 15 or higher. Use sunscreen
even if it is cloudy as a percentage of UV rays pass through clouds.
For more information on sunburn first aid treatment see our page on burn gels.
Thermometers
• ear thermometers
• oral thermometers and
• clinical thermometers
Aside from first aid requirements, thermometers can be convenient for other uses
such as helping women monitor their menstrual cycles. It is important to use
sanitary seals with your thermometer in order to maintain sterility.
Calibration
One poorly known aspect of digital thermometers is that they can go out of
calibration. They need to be checked every six months to be recalibrated for
accuracy.
Eye wash stations : Generally/Most people don’t have an eye wash station in
their homes, but you can always get a bottle to include in your first aid box.
Oxygen packs : Oxygen packs only use if you’ve been trained on artificial
respiration first.
Oxygen packs can be a worthwhile, even life-saving, addition to any first aid
station. Oxygen can be used as a treatment for victims who are breathing, but short
of breath, or it may be used as first aid treatment for victims who have stopped
breathing altogether.
Emergency oxygen does not require a prescription and administered safely it can
do no harm to victims. The FDA does caution that it must only be administered in
emergency situations. In order to effectively administer emergency oxygen as first
aid, you need to carefully read the instructions on an emergency oxygen unit or
oxygen pack. You should never consider emergency oxygen as a substitute for
CPR.
Oxygen units should be well protected. Durable mounting cases or carrying cases
are a definite benefit in order to keep your emergency oxygen prepared and in
good condition. There are also cases that offer foam protection and waterproofing.
• Be sure the mask is suitable for both adults and children and that there are
several masks
• Explosive, do not smoke near the unit or put by a heat source
• The nasal catheter is a worthwhile option, in case of an unconscious victim.
If you ever use your emergency oxygen have the tank filled by authorized fillers
First Aid Gloves
Gloves are worn in first aid emergencies for two important reasons:
Any first aid first responder, especially those dealing with strangers, should use
medical or first aid gloves. Ideally, gloves should provide a balance between
practicality, comfort, strength, flexibility and sensitivity.
Gloves should be well contoured and fit to your hand. Do not assume that one size
fits all. Gloves that are too big and loose will hinder first aid, while small gloves
can hinder the circulation of first aid givers.
Ibuprofen comes in the form of tablets or liquid, and is usually taken three or four
times a day for arthritis. Follow the package directions and ask your physician or
pharmacist for details on any questions you may have. If you are using ibuprofen
without a prescription, do not use for more than 3 days for fever, or 10 days for
pain before consulting a physician.
Precautions
Before taking ibuprofen:
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to other pain medications such as aspirin.
• Tell your doctor about any other prescription and non-prescription medicine
you are taking, including blood thinners, aspirin, atenolol, carteolol,
cyclosporine (like Neoral), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics, labetalol, lithium
(e.g. Eskalith) any other medication for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate,
metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid
(Benemid) and vitamins.
• Do not take other pain relievers unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• Inform your doctor of any history with liver, heart or kidney disease; high
blood pressure; stomach problems and any other gastrointestinal disease.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or
breast-feeding. Should you become pregnant while taking ibuprofen call
your doctor.
• If you are having any surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are taking ibuprofen.
• Be advised that inuprofen makes you drowsy. Do not drive or operate
machinery.
• Do not drink 3 or more alcohol drinks a day.
• Do not let anyone else take your medicine.
Side effects
The following side effects may be minor. Tell your doctor if these escalate:
• headaches or dizziness
• nervousness
• upset stomach, stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea or gas
Here are some essential dos and donts of first aid purchases:
Do
Don't
Controlling risks
When deciding on control measures the following principles should be applied: